Whitewater Observatory Lecture Series

Earth can be a cosmically
dangerous place, not just because of everyday challenges like fires, floods and
auto accidents, but also because of threats from the sky above.

Last year, some people
thought the Earth would end on December 21 because of a supposed prediction of
the Mayan calendar. This fall, the Whitewater Observatory Lecture Series,
hosted by UW-Whitewater's Department of Physics, explores the truth behind the
"Mayan Apocalypse" and looks at real dangers posed to Earth by
objects in the sky.

"We hold these
lectures to answer the public's questions about astronomy, as well as to dispel
popular fictions such as the 'Mayan Apocalypse' and damage to the Earth by
solar storms or supernovas," said Paul Rybski, associate professor of physics
at UW-Whitewater and director of Whitewater Observatory.

Starting at 8 p.m. on
Fridays, these lectures will take place in room 140 in Upham Hall. Free
parking is available in the unmarked and unmetered stalls in Lot 14, the Upham
Hall parking lot, at the intersection of Starin Road and Prairie Street.

The lecture series
schedule for November 8th is:

"Reversal of Earth's Magnetic Field --
what really will happen?" by Juliana Constantinescu, Department of Physics.

Rybski said the
presentations "are designed as popular lectures, not seminars. They are
intended for people of all ages who are interested in astronomy."

UW-Whitewater students,
faculty members and the general public are invited to attend. All
lectures are free, and no reservations are needed.

- See more at:
http://www.uww.edu/news/archive/2013-09-observatory-lectures#sthash.t7IicsUm.dpuf